Bulgaria’s Rumen Radev Pledges Bills on Soaring Prices and Judicial Reform

The high voter turnout in these elections restored the much-needed legitimacy of Bulgaria’s National Assembly and created an opportunity for it to work efficiently and effectively.

Prime minister-designate Rumen Radev made the remarks as he presented the priorities of the future government and the proposed composition of the cabinet before the National Assembly. His party holds a majority of 131 seats in Bulgaria’s 240-member parliament.

“For the first time in many years, we elected a speaker of the National Assembly quickly and without the usual scandals. Bulgarian citizens expect this constructive spirit to continue. They expect parliament not to produce scandals. For the first time, we are also forming a government in such an extraordinary way, without fragile coalitions and deceived voters,” the nominee for prime minister said from the parliamentary rostrum before the vote.

“We have no illusions about the crises and challenges facing this government: soaring prices, delayed reforms, the budget, a severe global economic and energy crisis, and escalating conflicts. Together with the National Assembly, we must deal with urgent tasks: adopting the budget, safeguarding payments under the Recovery and Resilience Plan, electing a new Supreme Judicial Council and its Inspectorate. In this joint effort, we will be guided by the principles enshrined in the Constitution, the separation of powers and the rule of law,” the former president said.

Radev stressed that his government would rely on a constructive opposition, including its experience, criticism and alternative proposals.

He also commented on the quality of legislation in Bulgaria. Radev said he had been observing the legislative process for nine years and believed that too many bills were diverting attention from the issues that truly matter.

“Let us work together to ensure that the quality of legislative work prevails over quantity,” Radev urged.

“On Monday, we will submit our draft legislation on soaring prices. I expect a meaningful debate. On Monday, we will also submit our proposals for amendments to the Judiciary Act,” Radev announced.

On efforts to secure Bulgaria’s Recovery and Resilience Plan funding, the former president said that Progressive Bulgaria would build on proposals already submitted and would introduce changes where alternative texts were needed.

Regarding Bulgaria’s budget, Radev said Progressive Bulgaria’s goal was to adjust the deficit without changing taxes.

“We will conduct an analysis of the country’s financial situation and the hidden deficit, as well as an assessment of ways to stop unnecessary spending and optimize resources. We will state clearly how much debt we intend to take on and what type of debt it will be,” Rumen Radev said, before presenting the structure and composition of the Council of Ministers, which will include four deputy prime ministers. | BGNES